Calgary Daily Digest — March 11, 2026

Heads up — loitering outside a Sunalta pharmacy is worrying neighbours and business owners. Mark Wang, owner of YYC Botox next door, says people coming for OAT (opioid agonist therapy) have increased in the past year and led to open drug use, fights and even assaults; eRx Pharmacy didn’t comment. This matters to locals because Wang says customers feel unsafe and some businesses are losing clients.

Trigger warning — a 23-year-old Calgary man has been charged after a dating-app date turned violent. Police say Spencer Maximus Andrews allegedly assaulted a woman at his southeast home on Nov. 1, 2025, and a search warrant was executed March 10, 2026; he’s charged with sexual assault and voyeurism and is due in court May 19, 2026. Police remind everyone that consent is required and urge victims to report abuse, no matter how long ago it happened.

Big picture — Calgary likely needs $49 billion over the next 10 years to fix and grow its infrastructure. The city report says $20 billion would support growth, $17 billion would cover maintenance, transit needs top the list at $10.5 billion (including $1.5B for an airport rail link), and a $5 billion-a-year spend is recommended to catch up. In other words, you may see big projects and tax/spending conversations as council finalizes priorities in May.

Startling video — a recent Taradale hit-and-run shows a child injured in a crosswalk and several drivers who didn’t stop. The youth was taken to hospital with a broken leg; psychologists like Dr. Martina Kanciruk point to the “bystander effect” and urge people to act or at least call 911. Parents and schools warn this can leave lasting fear for kids, so community vigilance matters.

Parents pushing for change — Alberta’s child-care minister, Demetrios Nicolaides, met Willowbrae parents after an alleged daycare assault and is reviewing how parents are told about serious incidents. The NDP wants automatic notification, an online portal and legal reviews after a case where parents waited 82 days to learn details; Nicolaides says he’ll study what can be shared without harming criminal probes. This could mean clearer, faster notices to parents in the future.

Nature alert — whirling disease was found in Lake Louise, and Parks Canada is banning paddling and waders on several nearby lakes effective spring 2026. Lake Minnewanka, Bow Lake and Moraine Lake face restrictions; Lake Louise visitors must still clean and dry gear and self-certify before use. The move is to protect trout and other fish — and visitors should check rules before planning water activities.

Construction season update — council advanced the “Business-Friendly Construction Policy” for more review as Calgary plans big projects like a sped-up Bearspaw south feeder main replacement (one year instead of four). A 2024 pilot gave $1.3 million in grants but mostly covered general costs, so officials want clearer planning, better timelines and a “one dig” approach to avoid repeated disruption. For shoppers and small-business owners, that could mean steadier access during roadwork if the policy improves coordination.

Summer plans — Sikome Aquatic Facility is getting its first major renovations since the 1970s, with work that began Dec. 8, 2025 and should finish in summer 2026. The man-made beach that draws about 100,000 visitors a year will see upgraded booths, a new “Beach House” and renovated concessions; Sikome is expected to reopen in late June. Good news for families who use Fish Creek Park — expect some temporary closures but a nicer facility this summer.

Global move — Canada and 31 other IEA members agreed to release 400 million barrels of emergency oil after the Feb. 28, 2026 Middle East conflict hit supply. The IEA said exports through the Strait of Hormuz fell to under 10% of pre-conflict levels; oil shot toward $120 a barrel before easing near $90. The release aims to steady prices and supply, but uncertainty could still affect fuel costs at the pump.

Cultural loss warning — the Historical Society of Alberta learned Budget 2026 will cut its provincial funding entirely, wiping a planned $76,000 support and putting a 1907-founded group at risk. HSA president Lorien Johansen and tourism leaders warn this could hurt heritage programming tied to a $15-billion tourism sector, though the ministry says it’s keeping $55M for archives and offers grants up to $75,000. Locals who care about Alberta stories may see fewer resources for preserving and sharing that history if funding doesn’t return.